The Department of Mines and Energy in the Northern Territory has given its approval to   the Mining Management Plan submitted by Merlin Diamonds Limited. The Company announced that it is now poised to re-commence operations at its Merlin diamond mine, located 900 kilometres south east of Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.

“The Company is being assisted by Foundation Resources Pty Ltd,” Merlin Diamonds said.  “The mining industry professionals of Foundation Resources have extensive experience in the mining of and exploration for diamonds including at Ellendale and Smoke Creek in Australia; and in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola, DRC and Indonesia.”

The Company has initiated procurement of the necessary items to re-commence the operations and has started pumping out water from the Kaye pit in preparation for mining. Foundation Resources has focussed on the technical plans for the mining operations and the re-commissioning of the diamond processing plant.

“A significant amount of the infrastructure is still in place at Merlin and needs little work to be useable, thus the capital cost is relatively low,” the Company stated. “It is expected that operations will recommence in October 2016.”

The Merlin diamond mine is known for its large, high clarity, high value white diamonds. Australia’s largest diamond – a 104.73 ct stone -- was recovered at the Merlin mine.

Pic Cap: File pic of Merlin plant